U.S. Unveils $2.5 Billion Foreign Arms Aid Plan

The Carter administration made public yesterday is $2.5 billion foreign military assistance program, a set of proposals little changed from what the Ford administration had planned.

The fiscal year 1978 program reflects the reduction in military aid for Argentina, Uruguay and Ethiopia which Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance announced last week were tied to human rights abuses in those countries.

However, many of the nations that will continue to receive military aid if Congress approves the proposals have also been accused of abusing human rights.

Vance told the House Subcommittee on Foreign Operations yesterday that in addition to the reductions already made public, "we are conducting further reviews of our entire foreign policy to seek ways to make it reflect and advance our human rights goals."

He added: "Our concern for human rights must be considered togther with other economic and security goals."

Vance told the subcommittee that security requirements had led the administration to make no cut in the $275 million in military sales credits for the fiscal year begining Oct. 1.

Subcommittee Chairman Clarence D. Long (D-Md.) suggested to Vance that Chile and Brazil have human rights records causing as much concern as the nations that will get less U.S. aid.

Vance ducked the question, but later told reporters that there was no active consideration of reducing aid to Brazil because of human rights considerations.

Rep. Edward I. Koch (D-N.Y.) urged Vance to reduce military assistance to Nicaragua. Vance said he would study the human rights situation there.

As a general rule, Vance said, he agrees with Koch that the United States should not become involved in aiding the military or police of a nation that faced no external threat but used equipment supplied by Washington against internal foes.

After reviewing Ford administration proposals, the Carter program administrator cut them by $3 million.

The Military assistance program request has three categories: $284 million in grants in material, $35 million in grants for training, and $2.22 billion in credits to help nations purchase weapons and equipment.

Almost half the credits, $1 billion, go to Israel. As previously announced, Israel has to repay $500 million of this and has a 10-year grace period before the 20-year period of repayment begins. The other half is forgiven.

Jordan will receive $130 million.

Spain, Turkey and Greece each received military credits under the terms of treaties that are in effect or being negotiated. Spain will recieve $120 million; Greece, $140 million, and Turkey, $200 million.

Taiwan's assistance has been cut from $35 million this year to $25 million in credits. Officials said this was partly because of Taiwan't increasing ability to finance its own defense and also is connected with U.S. desire to improve relations with China.